Honda unveils new Insight as all-electric crossover with over 500 km range
Honda has introduced a new generation of the Insight for the Japanese market, marking a significant shift for the model line. Unlike its predecessors, which were offered as hybrid sedans, the latest Insight transitions to a fully electric powertrain and adopts a coupe-style crossover body style.
The new model also shares several similarities with the Honda e:NS2 that is sold in China through Dongfeng-Honda. In fact, the design of the new Insight closely mirrors that model, with only minor differences for the Japanese market.
At the front, the vehicle features a shark-nose-inspired fascia with a closed grille design. An illuminated Honda badge sits within a lightbar that extends into the slim LED headlamps. The headlight units also incorporate vertical, boomerang-shaped daytime running lights that extend toward the bumper. The front bumper includes a large central air intake and a pronounced lower lip.
In profile, the crossover gets a sharp shoulder line running across the length of the body. The front doors feature flush, pop-out handles, while the roofline slopes gradually towards the rear, giving the vehicle a coupe-like silhouette. The design flows into a steeply angled C-pillar before meeting a lip-style element above the tail lamps.
At the rear, the Insight uses slim vertical tail lamps along with a full-width light bar across the tailgate. The lighting design and overall styling contribute to a more modern look compared to earlier generations of the model.
Inside the cabin, the new Insight adopts a minimalist and wraparound design similar to the e:NS2. The dashboard features layered surfaces with metallic accents, leatherette trim and ambient lighting integrated across the door panels and dashboard.
A 9.4-inch digital instrument cluster is integrated into a horizontal strip along with the air-conditioning vents, while a large 12.8-inch touchscreen sits lower on the centre console. Physical buttons are limited to essential controls such as hazard lights and steering-mounted switches, while gear selection buttons are positioned on the centre console between the front seats.
Honda claims the rear seating area offers generous space, with enough room for passengers to sit cross-legged. The rear seat backrest can also recline, while both the front seats and rear seat base include heating functions.
The feature list includes Honda Sensing driver assistance technologies, a 12-speaker Bose sound system, ventilated front seats, multi-zone climate control, hands-free parking, a powered tailgate and a sunroof. However, the model does not offer a panoramic sunroof.
Detailed mechanical specifications are yet to be fully disclosed. Honda states that the electric crossover is expected to offer a driving range of over 500 km on the WLTC testing cycle and produce around 310 Nm of peak torque. The vehicle will also include frequency-responsive dampers, four drive modes – Sport, Normal, Econ and Snow – along with three regenerative braking levels that can be controlled using steering-mounted paddles.
Honda has indicated that the new Insight will go on sale in Japan in the coming weeks, with more details likely to be announced closer to its market launch.
